As India celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, an extraordinary story emerged about the making of India’s National Emblem, which adorns the first page of the Constitution. Artist Dinanath Bhargava, tasked with drawing the emblem, spent three months studying Asiatic lions at Kolkata’s Alipur Zoo to ensure an accurate depiction.

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• Dinanath Bhargava, a student at Shantiniketan, was tasked with drawing India’s National Emblem based on Ashoka’s Lion Capital.
• Bhargava visited Alipur Zoo for three months to study Asiatic lions’ features, body language, and facial expressions.
• The National Emblem, symbolizing power, courage, and pride, is based on the Lion Capital of Ashoka’s Pillar at Sarnath.
• Nandalal Bose, the prominent artist, guided Bhargava to ensure the lion illustrations were realistic and accurate.
• Bhargava’s design became the centerpiece of India’s Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950.
• The Ashokan Lion Capital was chosen as India’s emblem for its symbolism of peace, power, and courage after a long selection process.
• The emblem was hand-drawn by Prem Behari Narayan Raizada in English and Vasant Krishan Vaidya in Hindi for the Constitution.
• Bhargava’s illustrations continue to be displayed on various government documents, including currency notes and official seals.
• The Constitution’s first-page illustration was the work of Nandalal Bose’s team, depicting India’s rich 5,000-year history.
• Bhargava’s lion illustrations have become one of India’s most prominent national symbols, seen in official documents and buildings nationwide.